Word Origin & History

operator 1590s, "one who performs mechanical or surgical operations," agent noun from operate (q.v.). Meaning "one who carries on business shrewdly" is from 1828. Specific sense of "one who works a telephone switchboard" (1884) grew out of earlier meaning "one who works a telegraph" (1847).

Example Sentences for operator

Nor will it suffice for the operator to attend to the strength of his solutions, and keep his eye upon the clock.

"Nothing," said the operator shaking his head in a negative.

"Accident," answered the operator in a tone that led one to believe that the mere effort of speaking gave him pain.

"Send me your notes so I can follow them carefully," he told the operator.

Selecting a ten-dollar note, he pushed it toward the operator, who was refilling his pipe.

He's made a pretty good job of it as the night operator at Cassil's.

It is clean and dainty work, and the operator is fortunate who can secure the position.

"It's my call," exclaimed the operator, as he sprang to his feet and ran to his desk.

Each and every operator will also have a personal signal of like character.

At last the transcript was finished, and the operator handed it to the boy.